206 pages ; 22 cm

This critical assessment of current versions of the Bible in English focuses on two issues central to current literary and theological debate about biblical translation: idiom and depth of language. The opening chapters analyse modern translators' free and lively use of contemporary English equivalents of Hebrew and Greek idioms, and their search for clarity of meaning. The central chapters examine the modern versions' record on resonance, beauty and spirituality of language, assessing positively-though not uncritically-a variety of champions of the importance of a poetic language of mystery. Hargreaves faces squarely the clash between supporters and opponents of 'natural' language in biblical translation, but observes that both traditionalists and innovators talk frequently about imagination, and sees hope in a common struggle to achieve both imaginatively poetic and idiomatic nuances in translation

Includes bibliographical references (pages 196-199) and indexes

Freedom of new idiom -- Pioneering of modern freedoms -- Many modern versions and their critics -- Language of mystery and its freedoms -- Freedom of natural language -- Freedom, rhythm and beauty -- Translating poetic imagery -- Freedom and accuracy -- Freedom and taking risks

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